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) AN 



V ORATION, 



DELIVERED AT 



GRANVILLE, MASSACHUSETTS, 
JULY 5th, 1813, 



IN COMMEMORATION 0? 



American Sn&epmticnce : 

AX THE REQUEST OF THE 

YOUNG GENTLEMEN OF THAT TOWN. 



BY JAMES COOLEY. 



HARTFORD •• 

Printed by Hale & Homer. 

1813. 







Hfbehalfoftiic Young Gentlemen in Granville, assembled for the Celebrdr 
tion of American Independence, -we return thanks to »V/r. JAMES 
COOL.EY, for his elegant and patriotic Oration pronounced on the occasicr., 
ind request a copy that it may be printed. 

ALPHEUS GIBBONS,} 

OHEL SPELMAN, > f ommitiee °f 

I Arrangement? 

LYMAN ROOT, J 

Gra kville, Ms. July 5th, 1813. 



/ 



ORATION 



To 



the human mind, nothing is more instructive 
than the vicissitudes of time. 

Weeks, months, and years, roll on, unfolding to our view 
the revolutions of empires; the wreck of Republics and the 
annihilation of States. 

Every day is big with important events. — To-day, a nation 
exists ; the rulers wise and the people happy.— To-morron\ 
their liberties are cloven down by the demon of faction; an 
usurper arises, and the traces of their happiness are no 
where to be found. 

If we turn over the page of history and examine the re- 
cords of centuries, we shall there find the solemn memento of 
human instability.. — The ancient cities of Assyria and Egypt ; 
those vast monuments of human grandeur, are mouldered to 
dust. — Jerusalem and Babylon, Balbec and Palmyra, are 
scarcely known but in the delineations of the historian. 

Those places which were once animated by living multi- 
tudes, are now a picture of solitude and desertion. The so- 
lemn silence of death, now reigns where tumultuous throngs 
once crowded the streets ; and the knell of their departed 
glory has long since ceased to vibrate. 



4 

The scenes have changed— where power and opulence once 
waved their banners ; poverty and wretchedness hold their 
residence. Vast cities have given place to despicable ruins • 
and the revolutions of time have transmitted their grandeur 
to other climates. 

Three hundred years ago, this fair country which we in- 
habit, was unfrequented by civilized man.— Where the sav- 
age cannibal skulked among the trees of the wilderness, chant 
ing the frightful war-whoop to the echo of the woods ; we see 
cultivated fields, and fragrant gardens, smiling with all the 
beauties of nature, and glowing with the most luxuriant ve. 
getation. Where the rude natives groped in ignorance, and 
bowed the knee to imaginary deities ; our eyes are now daz- 
zled with the splendour of churches, where the God of nature 
is recognized, and every social virtue inculcated. The 
paths of science which were then shrouded with a spontaneous 
gloom, are now disenrobed of their dusk, and their portals 
are expanded for the universal reception of its votaries. 
Then, the American youth were taught the adroitness of the 
scalping knife, and all the fell arts of cruelty and revenge ; 
now, they are early initiated into the Arcana of science, are 
taught the page of history, and can touch the lyre of Orphe- 
us, or speak with the tongue of Apollo. 

Our worthy ancestors, a small and feeble band, harassed 
by the oppressive acts of the mother country, fled to these in- 
hospitable wilds, to enjoy uninterrupted the charms of liberty 
and religion— They preferred civil liberty, freedom of con- 
science, and a cave in a gloomy desert, to the horrors of des- 
potism, though fed with luxuries, and clothed with all the 
brilliancy of the east— They chose to commit themselves to 
the ocean, and wander at large amidst storms and tempest ; 
rather than sacrifice their religion and liberties to the unjust 
usurpations of royal authority. 



Guided by that " cloud and pillar," which ed the He. 
brews from the fetters of Pharaoh, they arrived in safety 
to these solitary shores. Nature received them with open 
arms and joyfully pressed them to her rugged bosom. 

Their primitive privileges were few. No cabin to shelter, 
no friend to receive and welcome them ; — surrounded by dan- 
gers, formidable, and extreme, and exposed to ail the insults 
of savage barbarity ! 

Through the trying scenes of famine and pestilence, and 
while experiencing the cruelties of their infuriated neigh- 
bours, they discovered that inflexible fortitude which feared 
no perils, which regarded no danger. 

By their toils and perseverance ; by that industry which 
liberty inspires, they rapidly increased to a degree of popula- 
tion and opulence which commanded national respectability. 

The King of Great-Britain viewed the rising power of his 
colonies with a jealous eye. — Fearful that they might at some 
future period bid defiance to his laws, he commenced a system 
of measures the most oppressive and unjust. They reasoned, 
petitioned and remonstrated, but without effect. The com- 
mands of the British Cabinet at length became open and pe- 
remptory. Unconditional submission, or chastisement, was 
their mod and unfeeling language. But America awoke to 
the recognition of her rights ; — her flinty brow sparkled at 
the strokes of oppression, and kindled a flame of patriotism 
which the minions of unauthorised power could not extinguish. 

Europe beheld with astonishment, an infant nation ; unskil- 
led in military tactics, unacquainted with the detestable arts of 
human slaughter ; and destitute of pecuniary resources or 
the means of war ; rise in opposition to the well appointed for- 
ces of a powerful empire. The mighty armies of Great- 
Britain were called forth to crush and chain us. — The " fieiy 
meteors 1 ' of royal vengeance streamed through our atmos- 



phere. — The clouds of war gathered blackness. — The tempest 
of battle burst over our heads ! 

Here let us call to our imaginations the capital of our State 
crowded with hostile foes — her temples plundered by an un- 
restrained banditti — her altars polluted, and the peaceful ce- 
remonies of religion driven from the sanctuary ! 

On the heights of Bunker-hill the bloody tragedy was 
commenced. This is the preface to the melancholy tale. 
A volume of awful incidents was here disclosed. There, fell 
WARREN, the pride and boast of America — His youthful 
heart, animated with holy ardour, led him to the field of 
battle. — The shafts of death selected him for their victim. — 
The ground on which he fell became consecrated by his 
blood, and the mourning genius of his country robed in 
" sackcloth and ashes" wept at his tomb. 

At Long-Island, York-Island and New-Jersey, our little 
band of heroes braved every danger with a stern and stub- 
born fortitude. On the fields of Trenton, the precarious 
clouds of despondency hung over them in dread suspence. 
Chilled by the cold blasts of winter — dismayed by disaster — 
their ranks thinned by desertion — their spirits paralized by 
scenes of calamity and distress. — A dubious and critical mo- 
ment. — The elements seemed embattled against them — the 
winds blew and the storms raged — the Delaware rolled furi- 
ously with floating ice and forbid the approach of man — 
phantoms, ghastly and fell, flitted around their camp — all 
was horror, consternation, gloom, and despair. 

WASHINGTON, self collected, viewed the surrounding 
scene. He saw in imagination, his bleeding country on the 
brink of annihilation. A flame, like the electric spark, from 
the altar of Patriotism, ran through his soul. His lips, re in- 
spired by the " God of Sabaoth," awakened at once the ar- 
dour of his troops. Re-animated by the voice of their beta- 



tfed leader, they rushed to the hostile shore. — They fought— 
they conquered. 

The morning sun rose cheerfully on the American camp 
—the clouds of darkness were dispelled — shouts of joy and 
exultation sounded along the ranks, and the glorious enthusi- 
asm of victory pervaded every breast. 

On this event, the destinies of our country wore a favoura- 
ble aspect. The brightest gem in the British diadem was 
started from its socket. America had determined to be free — ■ 
the fire of Patriotism became unquenchable, and the spirit of 
liberty, powerful and universal. 

The armies of Great- Britain had discovered in the Ameri- 
can soldiery, that adroitness in arms ; that military skill and 
enthusiasm, which they little expected to find in their in- 
fant colonies. 

In the " lawns of Princeton," and on the " strong grounds 
of Morristown" our troops taught them a lesson which time 
never will eradicate. The " vales of Brandywine" and the 
"fields of Germantown," were witnesses of our superior 
prowess ; and on " the heights of Saratoga" were performed 
those deeds of valour and heroism which an admiring world 
beheld with wonder and astonishment. 

There the heroes of "the new world" plucked unfading 
laurels, and immortalized their names. There they shed 
their blood to achieve our freedom, and establish that liber- 
ty and Independence which we this day celebrate. 

To commemorate this epoch in the annals of our nation, 
we are now assembled. On this fair jubilee the " sainted 
shades" of those heroes who bled in the conflict, will re-visit 
the scenes of their gallantry to participate in the festivities of 
the day. 

We are not convened, like the vassals of imperial despo- 
tism to celebrate the birthday of a King; or to pour forth 
shouts of fanaticism at the triumphs of anarchy. A more 
waited theme inspires our mind? . 



8 

We hold in sacred remembrance that day which unniana- 
cled a virtuous people from the block of despotism, and es- 
tablished a new empire in the world, founded on the broad 
and substantial basis of justice and equal rights. 

In bursting from the grasp of our oppressors, in rending as- 
sunder "that bond which kept us pale," justice was our 
guide, reason our pole-star. 

Here was no demon of anarchy to spread the pestilence of 
civil war ; — no frantic parricide to bear in triumph the head 
of his father, streaming with blood from the guillotine, to tes- 
tify his patriotism ; — no usurper to leap into the whirlwind, 
and rise to power on the ruins of his countrymen. 

We boast no cities laid in ashes to commemorate the down- 
fal of government, no provinces desolated to mark the 
flaming path of " equality ,-" — no blood of butchered clergy- 
men crying from the ground for vengeance — no " republican 
baptisms'*'' — no change of the sabbath for a "Decade" — no 
blasphemous devoirs to the " Goddess of Reason." 

Far nobler triumphs are ours. True wisdom ; affection 
for the soil, habits, and moral ordinances of our ancestors, 
presided in our Councils. Native valor, firm and deliberate, 
commanded in the field, and led us to that Independence 
which we so justly commemorate. 

Thirty years have now elapsed since the struggle in which 
our Lidependence was gained, was happily and honourably 
terminated. During the first and greatest portion of that 
time, we enjoyed a season of the most unexampled prosperity. 
" The Sun of Liberty" rose upon our nation in all its majesty, 
and its enlivening beams gladdened and fertilized the remotest 
corner of our country. The aspect of despair had given 
place to the sunshine of joy. 

From humble Colonies, unknown in the annals of history ; 
icarce bearing the name of a civilized people ; we became " a 
free, powerful, and independent nation." 



The industry of the people had converted a wilderness in- 
to a garden. The savage wilds and uncultivated deserts, 
were made to " blossom as the rose." The barren heath 
was clothed in all the charms of primeval Eden ; those arts 
and refinements, which civilize and soften our natures, every 
where prevailed. Commerce flourished. Our flag, honoured 
and respected, played in every breeze and waved in every 
sea. No country so distant, but reciprocated our friendly 
intercourse. No billow so remote, but bore upon its bosom 
the testimony of American enterprize. Wealth flowed in 
from a thousand redundant springs. The rich harvest of 
commercial assiduity had swelled our national coffers with 
abundance, and the honourable acquisitions of our citizens 
diffused plenty and happiness into every portion of our coun- 
try. 

" Liberty abroad" 
" Walk'd unconfin'd ev'n to our farth'rest cots, 
" And scatter'd plenty with unsparing hand."—— 

The Nymph of Peace, with sweetest minstrelsey, sung 
around our dwellings ; and soothed and charmed and tran* 
quilized our firesides. — " Every one sat under his own vine 
and figtree without ought to make him afraid." 

But, alas, my countrymen ; how changed is the scene ! 
<{ How doth the city sit solitary that was full of people. How 
is she become as a widow. She that was great among the na- 
tions, how is she become tributary. Her friends have dealt 
treacherously with her ; they are become her enemies. All 
her gates are desolate. Her children have gone into captivity. 
The adversary hath spread his hand upon all her precious 
things"— -The deep and ancient root of our prosperity is 
withering. The hand of ruin is upon us. The Sirocc has 
overtaken us ! 

Cast your eyes over the whole extent of our union, and 
you behold a scene of discontent and animosity. A spirit ©f 

s 



10 

disaffection and uneasiness prevails throughout our wide 
spread community. The harp of the Poet that chanted so 
sweetly the charms of Liberty and Independence, is " Hung 
tuneless on the willow," or strung to the melancholy mur- 
murs of grief and despondency. The busy hum of industry 
Svhich sounded along our shores, is stifled into a dreary si- 
lence. Our harbours and store-houses which were croud cd 
with the avails of American enterprize ; present to the eye, 
the disgraceful imagery of poverty and ruin. 

The waters that were whitened with our canvass ; the 
seas which were covered with our ships, bearing from every 
climate its richest products, bear scarce a trace of the Ameri- 
can name. To complete our wretchedness, a war has been 
declared, and we have unfurled the bloody banner, against a 
peaceful and unoffending neighbour. " The broad Phalanx 
of death" is marching through our land. The innocent and 
necessary employments of agriculture, are to give place to 
arts of rapine and deeds of blood. Our citizens are dragged 
from the peaceful pursuits of domestic life, to perish without 
remembrance in unwholesome camps ; or die ingloriously in 
the wilds of Canada. 

Why, my fellow-citizens, are we brought to this abject 
state of things ? Why are the wings of the American Eagle 
clipped in its soarings ? Why is this great commercial nation 
reduced from that high pitch of wealth and glory to which 
it was so rapidly advancing, to this abyss of poverty and 
wretchedness ? 

In the year 1801, the government of the United States 
passed into the hands of a new Administration. Thomas 
Jefferson being elected to the presidency, that course which 
our venerable sages had pursued with so much success was 
changed. The plain and beaten path to national glory, was 
forsaken for the devious wanderings of modern philosophy, 



u 

A new course was taken ; a new system of things 
adopted ; and all those distinguishing traits of national 
greatness which characterized the administration of Wash- 
ington were swept away. 

The consequence of promoting sycophants to office, and the 
probable result of their measures, had been frequently and 
impressively pointed out to us. 

From the desk and from the forum ; from the oracles of 
wisdom in every part of the country, we had been exhorted 
to beware of those men. We were told that if such charac- 
ters presided in our Councils, our happiness and liberty 
would fall a prey to their evil machinations. We were most 
solemnly enjoined to put no confidence in such men. We 
were conjured as we valued our happy privileges, to ad- 
here to our former rulers. But the Syrens of democracy ho- 
vered over and bewildered our senses. Fatal visions floated 
in our imaginations. Public virtue fell into a sad relapse.— 
Credulous and languid ; we passed on, unheeding our foot- 
steps, till we plunged into the abyss that lay yawning before 
us. 

But, my countrymen, there is a redeeming spirit yet re- 
maining in our Constitution, which may " drag up our 
drowning honour by the locks," and restore us to our former 
happy attitude. 

The right of electing our rulers, is yet left to us. Let us 
exercise that right cautiously and independently. Let no 
soi did or partial considerations ever influence our suffrages.. 
To our God and to our country we are solemnly accountable 
for the prudent and conscientious improvement of this inesti- 
mable privilege, Let us place no confidence in men of pol- 
luted characters.-^-" Can men gather grapes of thorns ? or 
figs of thistles?" 

In selecting candidates for places of trust and responsibili-. 
ty, we ought to have our eyes upon the faithful of the land ; 



V4 

men of integrity and moderation, who will aliay the" spirit of 
discontent, and soften and calm the resentments of conflicting 
parties ; those who seek the interest of their country rather 
than the interest of a party. 

The finger of reproof points us to the fallen Republics of 
the East. 

History tells us how they rose, how they flourished, and 
how they fell. A voice from the tomb of Washington 
" loud and deep," admonishes us to shun the fatal catastro-' 
phe of our sister republics. 

" Bankruptcies incurred, have often been retrieved ; — ships 
lost can be replaced ; Moscow burnt to ashes, may be re-built ; 
but Liberty once lost is gone forever.'* 

The changing seasons of the earth produce a succession of 
life and death in the vegetable kingdom ; the failing leave?; 
of autumn are seen to be renewed in the ensuing spring ; the 
bars of the grave will be broken, and the dead will arise 
again; but, alas! there is no resurrection from National 
death. 

Let us hastily tread back the unpropitious steps which 
have hurried us to the brink of ruin. — Let us return to the 
principles and manners of real republicanism.— Let us know 
our own dignity ; practice industry, frugality, moderation 
and the whole train of real republican virtues, and we 
may yet restore to our citizens the felicity of former times. 

But if we continue listless in the fatal charm that hangs up 
on our senses, Ave may brood over our miseries in silent ago- 
ny ; our destinies are sealed ; our republic is at end, and we 
may bid "farewell, a long farewell to all our greatness '" 



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